Michigan vs. Ohio State: Why This Has All the Makings of a Buckeye Blowout

Saturday's Big Ten matchup between Ohio State and Michigan has all the makings of a Buckeye blowout for five big reasons:

1. Ohio State has the chance to go 12-0

All that's left standing in Ohio State's way of an undefeated season is a final game with 8-3 Michigan. The magnitude of that statement is far beyond measure considering that the Buckeyes football program was in a rebuilding state after Jim Tressel's exit as head coach, and following NCAA sanctions that were placed on the team.

A winning record in itself would have been enough in the first year of rebuilding, but an undefeated season is something the program could benefit from moving forward.

2. Chance to Win AP National Championship

Ohio State may not be eligible to compete in the BCS because of a postseason ban, but the Buckeyes can certainly set their sights on an AP National Championship.

Sitting at No. 4 in the AP Poll, the Buckeyes are presumably one win away from an AP championship. The only other unbeaten team in the AP Poll is Notre Dame at No. 1.

When Urban Meyer signed a six-year contract to coach the Buckeyes, it looked as if a new era was scheduled to begin in Columbus. But the imposed sanctions on the team didn't leave room for success for Meyer, or any coach in that position.

Restrictions didn't constrain Ohio State as Meyer and the Buckeyes won game after game and never looked back. An undefeated season would just be the icing on the cake as Meyer continues to handle the program.

4. Blowout would cap off 2012

A blowout win of Michigan would cap off Ohio State's undefeated season. Aside from big wins over Nebraska and Illinois, the Buckeyes have yet to send a message with a blowout win in the Big Ten.

A blowout against the Wolverines would send that message and set the tone for next season.

5. Blowout would give Meyer edge in recruiting

As Urban Meyer finishes his first year with the Buckeyes and begins preparing for his first year of recruiting at Ohio State, any added advantage would prove useful against rival schools, especially a recruiting powerhouse like Michigan.

A blowout win for the Buckeyes would show recruits that Ohio State is the place to be in regards to the football program.